If you are trying to decide between eyebrow threading and waxing, the honest answer is that both work — they just suit different skin types and priorities. At Incredible Hair & Beauty, we perform far more threading than waxing on eyebrows specifically, because it tends to give cleaner, more precise results with less irritation. This guide compares both methods honestly so you can choose what actually suits your skin.
Most first-time clients have only ever had their brows waxed, simply because it is the more commonly advertised option. Once they try threading, many switch permanently — not because waxing is bad, but because threading better suits sensitive or acne-prone skin, which is common enough that we see it regularly.
Here is a straightforward comparison to help you decide.
| Feature | Eyebrow Threading | Eyebrow Waxing |
|---|---|---|
| Method | A twisted thread removes hairs from the root | Hot wax applied then pulled off |
| Best for skin type | Sensitive and acne-prone skin | Normal skin with thicker hair |
| Pain level | Mild stinging that fades quickly | Sharp pull that can feel more intense |
| Precision | Very high, with clean lines | Good, but less detailed than threading |
| How long results last | 3 to 5 weeks | 2 to 4 weeks |
What Is Eyebrow Threading, and Why Do We Recommend It?
Threading is an ancient hair removal technique using nothing but a length of cotton thread, twisted and rolled across the skin to catch and lift hairs directly from the follicle. We lean toward recommending it for brows specifically because it gives our therapists more control over fine detail than wax does — useful for shaping precise, symmetrical arches rather than broad strokes.
What Happens During Eyebrow Threading
Your therapist twists a doubled length of cotton thread and rolls it across the brow area, catching individual hairs at the root with each pass. There is no wax, no heat, and nothing applied to the skin itself — only the hair is touched, which is part of why it tends to cause less irritation than waxing.
Why Threading Suits Sensitive Skin
Because nothing chemical or heated touches the skin, threading is a genuinely good option for clients with sensitive or acne-prone skin, or anyone currently using active skincare like retinol. It also picks up very fine, short hairs that waxing can sometimes miss, giving a cleaner finished line.
Aftercare Tips to Maintain Your Brows
Simple aftercare makes a real difference to how long your results look sharp:
- Avoid touching the brow area with unwashed hands for the rest of the day
- Hold off on makeup over the brows for at least 24 hours
- Apply a soothing gel (like aloe vera) if you notice any mild redness — this usually settles within 20 to 30 minutes
Eyebrow Waxing: What to Expect
Waxing remains popular for good reason — it is fast and clears larger areas in one pass. We are honest with clients about its trade-offs too, so you can make the choice that actually fits your skin.
Which Hurts More: Waxing or Threading?
Warm wax is applied to the brow area and pulled off in one motion, taking hairs with it — fast, but the pull is a single sharp sensation. Threading instead involves repeated, milder pulls as the thread passes over the brow. Which feels worse genuinely varies by person: some clients find one sharp pull more manageable than several smaller ones, and vice versa. What is more consistent across clients is that threading tends to leave less redness afterward, since nothing is applied directly to the skin.
Cost and Convenience
Waxing is often priced slightly lower than threading at most salons, including ours, and the appointment itself can be marginally quicker. We offer both, but for clients who book regularly, we usually recommend threading — the extra precision and reduced irritation tends to be worth the small price difference over time. For current pricing on either service, see our full service menu.
Getting the Right Shape With Threading
Threading gives more control over arch height, thickness and tail length than waxing typically allows, since the technique works hair by hair rather than in a single pass. Clients are welcome to bring reference photos of shapes they like — we assess your natural brow growth and face shape first, and talk through what is realistically achievable before starting, rather than just copying a photo regardless of fit.
If you want your new shape to stand out further, we also offer eyebrow tinting and henna brows as an add-on.
Why Book Threading With Us
We use a fresh thread for every client and follow strict hygiene procedures at every workstation — non-negotiable given how close this treatment works to the eyes. Threading is one of our most frequently repeated services, and we deliberately keep sessions unhurried rather than rushing to fill the next slot, since precision brow work genuinely needs the time.
We have two salons — Liverpool Plaza on Macquarie Street, and a second location inside Stockland Merrylands — and offer a full range of hair and beauty services if you would like to combine your brow appointment with a cut, colour or facial in the same visit.
Before your first threading appointment, we always assess your skin type and discuss any sensitivities — this matters more for repeat comfort than most people expect, and it is why many first-time clients become regulars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which lasts longer, threading or waxing?
Threading typically lasts a little longer — usually 3 to 5 weeks versus 2 to 4 for waxing — since it catches finer hairs that waxing can sometimes miss, which otherwise show up as regrowth sooner.
Is threading more painful than waxing?
It depends on the person — waxing is one sharp pull, threading is several milder ones. Neither is objectively worse for everyone, but threading generally causes less skin irritation afterward regardless of how the pain itself compares.
Can people with sensitive skin get eyebrow threading?
Yes — threading is one of the better options for sensitive or acne-prone skin specifically because no wax or chemicals touch the skin at all.
How does the cost compare?
Waxing is usually a little cheaper. See our service menu for current pricing on both.
What aftercare should I follow after threading?
Avoid touching the area with unwashed hands, skip makeup on the brows for 24 hours, and use a soothing gel if you notice any redness — it should settle within 20 to 30 minutes.
Can I switch from waxing to threading if I’ve always waxed before?
Yes — there is no downside to switching at any point. Your therapist will shape based on your current brow growth regardless of which method you have used previously.
Book Your Appointment
Whether you choose threading or waxing, the right method comes down to your skin and priorities — not a one-size-fits-all answer. If precise, low-irritation results matter most to you, threading is worth trying at least once.
Book an appointment at our Liverpool or Merrylands salon, or get in touch via our contact page if you have questions first.
